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Sign Code Summary

Key West, FL

Local sign ordinance requirements — free, cited to the source section.

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Understanding sign regulations in Key West, FL

Every outdoor sign in Key West is governed by the municipality’s sign ordinance, which sets how large a sign may be, how tall it may stand, how far it must sit from the property line, whether it may be illuminated, and which sign types are permitted in each zoning district. This page summarizes those requirements in plain language and links each value back to the section of the Key West code it came from.

Sign rules here are layered. The base zoning district — commercial, industrial, or residential — sets the default limits, and overlay districts such as historic or downtown districts can tighten them further. Because the most specific jurisdiction controls, a freestanding monument sign on a commercial parcel and a wall sign in a historic overlay can face very different limits even on the same street in Key West.

Use the figures below as a fast first check, then run a full address lookup to confirm the exact limits for a specific parcel in Key West, Florida. The full report also covers permit requirements, prohibited sign types, and illumination rules — each cited to the source ordinance so your permit application can reference it directly.

Before you order or install a sign in Key West, confirm three things: the maximum sign area and height allowed in the parcel’s zoning district, the minimum setback from the right-of-way, and whether the sign type you want — freestanding, monument, wall, projecting, or awning — is permitted there at all. Many permit denials come from missing a setback or an overlay-district restriction rather than from the size of the sign itself, so checking the governing section before applying saves a costly resubmittal.

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Max ground sign height
Monument: Not specified; Pylon: 6 ft
Ground sign setback
12 feet from all property and right-of-way lines

Building Signs

Building Sign Formula
Total surface of a sign, including the background, frame, and ornamentation, but not including structural supporting elements outside of its frame

Definitions

Digitally Printed Sign Definition
any sign made of or in part with the printed output from a computer.
Abandoned Sign Definition
any display or sign remaining in place for two (2) years, which no longer identifies an ongoing business, product, or service available on the premises where the display or sign is located or where the building, business, or establishment to which the display or sign is related has ceased operation.
Animated Sign Definition
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Awning Sign Definition
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Backlit Sign Definition
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Bus Bench Sign Definition
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Business Identification Sign Definition
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Changeable Copy Sign Definition
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Channel Letter Sign Definition
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Construction Sign Definition
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Directory Sign Definition
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Door Sign Definition
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Double Faced Sign Definition
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Face Of Sign Definition
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Flag Sign Definition
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Freestanding Or Ground Sign Definition
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Ghost Sign Definition
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Hanging Sign Definition
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Historic Sign Definition
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Horizontal Projecting Sign Definition
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Iconic Sign Definition
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Informational Or Descriptive Sign Definition
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Interior Illuminated Sign Definition
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Marquee Definition
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Marquee Sign Definition
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Mobile Sign Definition
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Off Site Sign Definition
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On Site Development Sign Definition
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Pennant Definition
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Plastic Sign Definition
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Projecting Sign Definition
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Real Estate Sign Definition
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Roof Sign Definition
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Sign Erector Definition
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Sign Face Definition
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Sign Structure Definition
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Sign Writer Definition
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Snipe Sign Definition
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Special Event Sign Definition
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Temporary Sign Definition
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Three Dimensional Sign Definition
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Time And Temperature Sign Definition
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Vehicle Sign Definition
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Vertical Projecting Sign Definition
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Wall Sign Definition
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Window Sign Definition
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Banner Sign Definition
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Facade Sign Definition
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Sign Area Definition
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Signs Having Structural Framework Definition
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Billboard Sign Definition
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Display Sign Definition
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Floor Sign Definition
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Legal Nonconforming Sign Definition
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Neon Sign Definition
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Open And Hours Of Operation Sign Definition
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Open House Sign Definition
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Painted Sign Definition
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Political Sign Definition
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Seasonal Or Holiday Lighting Definition
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58 more definitions rules in the full report →

General Info

Jurisdiction Name
Key West, FL

General Standards

Projecting Or Pole Mounted Sign Requirement
Projecting or pole-mounted signs: Projecting or pole-mounted signs over public right-of-way shall be erected or repaired by a licensed sign erection contractor or general contractor.
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Ground Signs

Ground Sign Type
Monument sign; Pylon sign
Ground Sign Formula
Monument: 64 sq ft; Pylon: Not specified
Ground Sign Max Height
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Ground Sign Setback
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Roof Sign Clearance
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3 more ground signs rules in the full report →

Prohibited Signs

Hazardous Signs Prohibition
No permit will be issued for a sign which, in the opinion of the building official, will constitute a hazard of any kind
Prohibited Sign Placement On Buildings
It shall be unlawful for any person to post advertising matter on any unoccupied building or any temporary structure in the city; provided that this does not apply to the owner or any person acting under the authority of the owner.

Temporary Signs

Temp Signs Allowed
Yes, with permit required
Temp Sign Rules
Max area: 64 sq ft; Max height: 6 ft; Max duration: 24 hours in advance; Permit required

Variance Appeals

Hazardous Signs Appeal Process
Appeals from the decisions of the building official shall be to the city commission, whose decision in the matter shall be final

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